China says that while President Hu Jintao
will hold bilateral meetings during a G-20 summit in Washington next week, a
possible meeting with U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is still in the
works.

Deputy Foreign Minister He Yafei told reporters in Beijing
Thursday that the two sides are taking steps to arrange a meeting.

World
leaders are to discuss a response to the global financial crisis at the
Washington summit for the Group of 20 industrialized and emerging countries on
November 15.

Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry urged Mr. Obama to
properly handle the issue of Taiwan when he steps into office. Spokesman Qin
Gang called on the president-elect to oppose Taiwan independence and halt arms
sales to the island.

The spokesman added that U.S. handling of Taiwan is
key to good relations between Beijing.

China and Taiwan split in 1949
during a civil war, and Beijing has threatened to use military force if Taipei
formally declares independence.

China has hundreds of missiles aimed at
Taiwan and claims the self-ruled island is part of its own territory.